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 Americas & Beyond | May 2008 
U.A.E Lift Trophy in Dubai
 Beach Soccer Worldwide
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The two best performing teams of the Dubai Qualifier gave the over present crowd a true Beach Soccer battle. Both teams we’re already qualified for the World Cup Finals but wouldn’t settle with less then the title of Continental Champions.
Hosts and defending champions UAE managed to get a 2-0 lead in the first period, but Japan never gave up and came back strong by two goals of an again excellent performing Yamauchi. The Japanese striker has easily been the most decisive player for his team at the Asian Qualifying Competition and saw his efforts rewarded with the trophy for top goal scorer of the tournament. Another light point in this Dubai Showdown, Rami Aldefaia, soon made it 2-3, but again it was Yamauchi who put Japan back in the running for the title with his 12th goal.
Last year’s MVP Bakhit decided the game and lead his team to victory for the second time in a row at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier Dubai.
“Obviously I’m delighted we’ve conceded our second consecutive title. We played well throughout the entire qualifier, but there are still some points that need improvement. We knew before the final that Yamauchi was Japan dangerous player, but still he managed to score three goals”, said UAE coach Mendes after the award ceremony. “These are things that can’t happen at the World Cup stage. We have the quality to perform well in Marseille, players like Bakhit or Rami can change the outcome of a game with personal efforts, and if our defence stays on their feet, we could even become the surprise of this year’s World Cup”, concluded the Brazilian.
After losing against the two finalists, Iran still managed to qualify for the Marseille Showpiece by defeating China in the play-off for third place. Iran was too strong for a China side that still has a long way to go before they reach the level of the three victors.
“I’m very happy for my players. They worked so hard to get to this point, so it was amazing to see their smiles and cries after the final whistle. After losing against the UAE and Japan and being one goal down after nearly one minute, they still found the strength to go through. I’m very proud of the spirit they’ve shown on and off the pitch over the last couple of days”, said a satisfied Iran coach Farssad Falahtzadeh.
Everything’s decided now. The three strongest Asian teams are known and will travel to the French Riviera in July to compete with 13 other powerhouses to reach the ultimate dream, conquer the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008.
Final Standings:
Champion: United Arab Emirates* (UAE)
Runner-up: Japan* (JPN)
3rd place: Iran* (IRN)
4th place: China (CHN)
* clinch FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 berth
Individual awards:
Best player: Rami. A (UAE)
Best Goalkeeper: Terukina (JPN)
Top Goal Scorer: Yamauchi (JPN)
Results and match schedule
May 6 (Tuesday) – Matches
Philippines 2 x 8 Japan
Uzbekistan 2 x 6 UAE
May 7 (Wednesday) – Matches
Iran 5 x 2 Philippines
China 4 x 3 Uzbekistan
May 8 (Thursday) – Matches
Japan (1)1 x 1(0) Iran
UAE 5 x 0 China
May 9 (Friday) – Semi final Matches
Match 7 (Semi-final 1): Japan 7 x 1 China
Match 8 (Semi-final 2): U.A.E 3 x 1 Iran
May 10 (Saturday) – Play-off for 3rd place and Final
Match 9 (3rd / 4th) China 1 x 4 Iran
Match 10 Final Japan 3 x 4 U.A.E
 Click HERE for the complete matchday report (PDF)
 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2008
Follow the competition from Durban, to Puerto Vallarta, Buenos Aires, Dubai, and Benidorm on the road leading up to the final championship matches in Marseille, France, the host country for the 2008 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. |
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